3 Reactions to Avoid When Learning of a Loved One’s Addiction

No one prepares for having an addict in the family. Because of this, few people know how to handle the situation effectively. Some families guilt their loved one into rehab or ignore the problem altogether. Unfortunately, this can hurt a person’s chances of entering an Arizona drug rehab.

As a trusted treatment center, we know that families are trying the best they can. But, good intentions aren’t always the most effective. Here are three things to avoid and alternatives to try instead.

By ignoring drug and alcohol abuse, you’re allowing it to continue and grow stronger. The best thing to do is to acknowledge that there is a problem, even if your loved one denies it. You are not alone. Reach out for help through a counselor or medical professional. Or, call an Arizona rehab center like The River Source for an assessment.

2. Don’t Get Angry

It’s normal to feel mad, angry and even bitter when learning of a loved one’s addiction. But, addiction is not anyone’s fault. There is no one to be mad at. No one experiments with drugs or alcohol with the intention of becoming addicted. Your loved one is suffering, whether they realize it or not. If you get angry, it can distance you from the addict, making it harder for them to accept help.

Remember, you are not alone. Talk with a medical professional or addiction specialist before addressing the problem. This way, you can approach it with a level head. Addicts need compassion, support and understanding, so don’t talk with your loved one until you’re ready to do this. However, don’t confuse compassion for enablement. If you let an addict keep using drugs and alcohol without consequences, you’re helping the addiction, not the person.

3. Don’t Use Guilt or Shame

Another common but harmful way to approach addiction is by using guilt or shame. Addiction is not a choice, so making your loved one feel bad about themselves will only stress them out more. Addicts don’t seek treatment because they have been guilted or shamed into it. In fact, they tend to rebel with this approach because they’re usually already struggling with low self-esteem.

Addiction is a disease, so your loved one is not choosing to use drugs and alcohol. They need help. If your loved one flat out refuses to seek treatment, you may need to host an intervention. Have an addiction treatment center in Arizona picked out and be ready to follow through with consequences if need be.

If you have recently learned of a loved one’s addiction, address the problem, no matter how difficult it may be. Avoid doing the three things above, and instead, speak with a professional about how to move forward with treatment.